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The Russian Rivermouth will either love you or hate you, since it's fickle and schizophrenic with its dependency on proper sand flow to create an epic bar. The sandspit here is home, sweet home to a large posse of harbor seals, which resemble oversize grubs wriggling about on the sand (it's illegal for you to go near them). Needless to say, the sharks ignore the laws of the land and take their pick of the litter when they feel like it, and we all know what that means -- keep those feet up. When the Rivermouth's on, the wave itself is typically a right barrel, shallow with lots of currents. It can be insanely good, but really only during the summer and early autumn. Big swells don't mix with the Russian Rivermouth, so wait for a small, clean pulse accompanied by light east winds and an incoming tide.
-- Mike Kew
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Incoming
W, SW
waist-high to a couple of feet overhead
E, NE
2 to 5
sand
intermediate to advanced
shortboard and shark repellent
late summer/early fall
Easy. At the sign on Highway 1 signaling toward Goat Rock, turn west onto State Park Road and drive to its end. From there, you simply hop out of your car and walk over to the mouth.
You can have it to yourself, or share it with a few grumpy locals.
If there's anyone else out, the vibe's usually a little unpleasant at first, but if you make some small-talk with that solemn bearded guy wearing a helmet, things could take a turn for the better.
3
1 to 4
11 on a scale of 1-10
Sharks, duh...
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Gramatzki's River's End Restaurant offers all sorts of goodies from coconut-fried shrimp to the ubiquitous hamburger; 11051 Highway 1 in Jenner, 707-865-2484. If Indian food strikes your fancy, you can find nirvana at the Sizzling Tandoor at 9960 Highway 1 in Bridge Haven (on the Russian River), 707-865-0625. Jenner's Sea Gull Gifts and Deli offers some decent sandwiches and souvenirs, 707-865-2594.
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Wright's Beach State Campground is a tad expensive ($17 to $19) and only has 30 campsites. River's End is privately owned and features a bar, restaurant, boat launch, cabins, picnic tables and restrooms, 707-869-3252.
Or try
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If there's no surf you can always head east towards Guernville and go swimming in the river and/or check out some wineries.
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